Israeli National Security Council Intervenes to Protect Hapoel Tel Aviv Fans in High-Risk Poland Match

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to play the second leg of their Conference League qualifier in Poland on Wednesday evening, following a 2-0 victory over Katowice last week. However, behind the scenes, tensions have escalated due to threats from Katowice's ultras, known for their violent, fascist, anti-Semitic, and anti-Israeli behavior. This prompted the Israeli National Security Council to intervene and coordinate enhanced security measures with international and local agencies, including Interpol, to prevent clashes during the match.

Approximately 500 Hapoel fans have already arrived in Poland ahead of the game, which is expected to draw around 10,000 Katowice supporters. Social media posts containing threats against Israelis and Nazi symbols have raised alarm among senior security officials in both countries. The Katowice ultras previously caused the cancellation of a friendly match against Maccabi Netanya last month due to similar concerns.

On the sporting front, Hapoel Tel Aviv will start with the same lineup as last week, with possible reinforcements being considered, including backup for the left-back position and a potential substitute for Shanda Silva. A victory would advance Hapoel to face Italy's Atalanta in the Conference League playoff next week in Hungary, with the return leg scheduled in Bergamo.

Hapoel Tel Aviv representatives expressed a modest but determined attitude ahead of the match, stating, "We come humbly, but we want to win."